Binghamton University
Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy
PHYSICS COLLOQUIUM
“Base-by-base ratcheting of single-stranded DNA through a solid-state
nanopore: toward low-cost and high-throughput sequencing of the
human Genome”
Dr. Binquan Luan
IBM T.J. Watson Research Center
Abstract:
The benefits of low-cost and high-throughput sequencing of the human genome to
medical science has inspired recent experimental work focused on DNA translocation
through solid-state nanopores. Given that microelectronic fabrication methods permit the
integration of nano-electronics devices to sense each DNA base, the genetic code (DNA
sequence) could be read out during the translocation by measurement of transverse
electrical current, voltage signal, ionic current or hydrogen-bond mediated tunneling
signal generated by each base in DNA. However, DNA translocation inside a solid-state
nanopore remains poorly controlled and DNA moves too rapidly to be detected at the
desired single-base resolution. In this talk, I show using realistic atomistic modeling that
the recently proposed DNA transistor can achieve the single-base control. These
simulation results and a simple theoretical model inspired by the numerical studies
demonstrate that when pulled by an optical tweezer as in a single molecule experiment
or driven by a biasing electric field as in a high-throughput sequencing mode, the DNA
transistor allows single-stranded DNA to transit a nanopore in a stick-slip or ratchet-like
fashion, i.e. DNA alternatively stops and advances quickly one nucleotide spacing. In a
trapped state, a DNA base could be positioned in front of a sensor for an accurate readout. Ideally, the DNA transistor could be utilized in conjunction with a nanopore-based
DNA sensing technology to achieve the goal of fast and cheap DNA sequencing.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
S2 Bldg. Room 144
PRESENTATION 3:00 PM– 4:00 PM
ALL WELCOME – COFFEE AND REFRESHMENTS AT 2:45 PM